Regular tick checks when you come in from the outdoors can spot them before they bite. The Stopticks.org website advises:
Health Tips
* Inspect your body for ticks any time you have been outdoors, even during winter.
* Check areas of the body that are warm, dark and moist, in particular behind the ears, hair, underarms, behind the knees, groin and elbows.
* Check pets for ticks, as well.
* Reduce the risk of tick bites by wearing long, lightly-coloured clothing, with pants tucked into socks. Keep long hair tied or braided back.